Some Crystal Palace fans have taken to Twitter to reveal that they think James McArthur’s absence from the starting XI played a part in the humiliating 4-0 loss to Tottenham on Saturday.
The Scotland international had started every single one of the Eagles’ Premier League fixtures before the visit to Spurs, which he missed due to an injury, and his teammates didn’t have the best of times without him.
Roy Hodgson’s men found themselves 4-0 down before the end of the first half after goals from Heung-min Son and Erik Lamela, as well as an own goal for Patrick van Aanholt.
Whilst it is easy to say that McArthur was missed due to the result, his tireless running and energy in the middle of the park does often go unnoticed – any side would miss a player who does so much work for the team.
Let’s see what the Palace fans on Twitter have been saying about his absence…
No denying how poor we were today. Luka has played near enough two full intl’s in past week so not having his wingman Jimmy Mac was telling today, no disrespect to Jeff but he is different type of player. #cpfc
— John Vince (@JohnVince20) September 14, 2019
Just back…We were awful in 1st, they just played long balls over our defenders and ran for easy finishes. Missed Jimmy Mac and got to say I think JT and Cahill will be our best pairing. PVA and Ward exposed today. Zaha and Ayew worked hard. Townsend was toilet. Luka awol #cpfc
— Mark Wilson (@threluja) September 14, 2019
Have been saying for absolutely ages that McArthur is so criminally underrated and Townsend isn’t good enough. Sounds like yesterday proved that. #cpfc
— Talk Crystal Palace (@TalkCPFC) September 15, 2019
McArthur is missed defensively#CPFC
— Bradford (@BradenDwyer) September 14, 2019
Don’t want to type this but I think are we missing the industry of McArthur. Spurs have all the time in the world to pick out passes for their clinical finishers #cpfc
— Mark Wilson (@threluja) September 14, 2019
Exactly what me and my dad said during the game. Engine room. I’ve been a critic of his at times but we clearly miss him when he’s not there
— Stuart Ions (@Stueypot) September 14, 2019
